Topical Bible: Diligence: Following Every Good Work

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Diligence is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, often associated with perseverance, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to righteousness. It is the quality of being conscientious in one's duties and responsibilities, particularly in the pursuit of good works and spiritual growth. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of diligence in the life of a believer.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of diligence is woven throughout the Bible, emphasizing its significance in both spiritual and practical aspects of life. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse underscores the principle that diligence leads to leadership and success, while laziness results in subjugation and hardship.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to be diligent in their faith and service. In Romans 12:11, he writes, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Here, diligence is linked with zeal and fervor, suggesting an active and enthusiastic pursuit of God's work.

Diligence in Spiritual Growth

Diligence is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, Peter encourages believers to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." This passage illustrates the progressive nature of spiritual development, which requires diligent effort and intentionality.

Hebrews 6:11-12 further emphasizes this point: "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Diligence is portrayed as essential for maintaining hope and inheriting God's promises.

Diligence in Good Works

The Bible also highlights the importance of diligence in performing good works. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse reassures believers that their diligent efforts in doing good will ultimately yield a fruitful harvest.

Moreover, in Titus 3:8, Paul instructs, "This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have believed God will be intent on engaging in good works. These things are excellent and profitable for the people." Diligence in good works is presented as beneficial not only for the individual but also for the community.

Diligence in Prayer and Study

Diligence is also essential in prayer and the study of God's Word. In Colossians 4:2, Paul advises, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This devotion requires a diligent and disciplined approach to maintaining a vibrant prayer life.

Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:15 urges believers to "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." Diligence in studying Scripture ensures that believers are well-equipped to understand and apply God's truth in their lives.

Examples of Diligence in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify diligence. Nehemiah demonstrated remarkable diligence in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, despite facing opposition and challenges (Nehemiah 4:6). His commitment to the task at hand serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication.

The Apostle Paul is another model of diligence. His tireless efforts in spreading the Gospel, despite numerous hardships, reflect his unwavering commitment to God's calling (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Paul's life and ministry illustrate the impact of diligent service to the Lord.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently portrays diligence as a vital attribute for believers, essential for spiritual growth, effective service, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. Through diligent effort in every good work, believers can experience the blessings and rewards that come from faithfully following the Lord.

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1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Women Adorned with Good Work
... too, may be well reported of as diligently following every good work. ... Work for Christ
will take its true place as ... And as diligence in the pursuits of earth is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvii women adorned with good.htm

On Working Out Our Own Salvation
... and, secondly, with the utmost diligence, speed, punctuality ... of God, preventing,
accompanying, and following you, in ... make you perfect in every good work to do ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 85 on working out.htm

How Internal Exercises are to be Practised in Times Improper and ...
... plunge himself in business, but that every day he ... recollection (which will sanctify
all the following day's work ... task with such care and diligence, that towards ...
/.../chapter iv how internal exercises.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... to be thus [with such care and diligence] commended, but ... be cut off; and in the
generation following let their ... Therefore let every one who allows himself to be ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep ... it says, "is merely the following
of worldly ... themselves, as Paul says, "unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1 ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons:
... to such a declaration as the following, which any ... actual existence, except God himself;
for every thing else ... it were impossible for all their diligence to be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/3 i reject this predestination.htm

Baptists.
... The following Declaration of Faith, with the Church ... to ourselves, demands and deserves
our utmost diligence. ... covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... declared that in their faithfulness in following the Lord ... your hearts, and stablish
you in every good work and work ... to his own example of diligence in temporal ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... usually rise and fall with our diligence in duty ... examination, I entreat you to consider
the following: ... and disobedient, an unto every good work reprobate." This ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... a preacher?" Improve your interest and diligence to this ... entreat you to consider
the following MOTIVES: As ... would have the praise of every good work ascribed to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm